statement
In 1991, the National Literacy Act defined literacy as "an individual's ability to read, write, and speak in English, and compute and solve problems at levels of proficiency necessary to function on the job and in society, to achieve one's goals, and develop one's knowledge and potential."[1] It can be argued that literacy so-defined is the most important skill needed to survive and thrive in modern society.
Despite the vast resources of the United States, millions of children, particularly those from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, do not receive the training necessary to reach the desired proficiency. However, numerous organizations have formed across the country on national, state, and local levels in an attempt to bridge this gap.
This web site attempts to gather, in one easy-to-use location, the information that teachers, librarians, parents, and children can use for developing a successful literacy program. Resources include: background research, examples of successful programs, tutoring guidelines, possible funding sources, evaluation blueprints, and a printable checklist. When viewed collectively, the listed resources provide step-by-step instructions on how to start a literacy program, as well as scholarly research that tries to define success parameters.
The goal of the site is to provide a one-stop resource for those interested in the specifics of running a literacy program designed for at-risk youth, with special concentration on the possible and natural cooperation with public libraries and schools.